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Bible Reading Alone

What is a good way to start reading the Bible?

The Bible is how God communicates to people. It tells us what he is like and what he requires of us. It is a collection of 66 books which give the story of how God rescues people.

The Bible is the ultimate authority on God and how we can know him. God gives those who trust Jesus his Holy Spirit who enables us to understand the Bible and do what it says. 

Where to start?

A good place to start reading the Bible for yourself is with one of the New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). These Gospels give a biography of the life of Jesus.

After that it would be worth reading the book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles) which tell of how after Jesus' resurrection the good news of Jesus spread and the early church was established.

Then move on to one of the letters written to early believers and churches. This includes letters like Colossians, Romans and Ephesians.

When reading the Old Testament it is important to keep in mind the things that you have learnt about Jesus from the New Testament. Try starting with Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah and The Psalms. 

Getting Started.

Some Hints:

• Pray before you start, ask God to help you understand the message of the bible.
• Choose which book of the Bible you will read. Decide how much of the book you will read at a time. It can be helpful to read a chapter at a time, although you may wish to  read smaller sections especially when reading the New Testament letters.
• Read through the whole passage.
• Read through the passage one sentence at a time. Ask ‘What does this sentence say?’ Look for words like: for, because, therefore, but.
• Read through the whole passage again
• Write down the main points of the passage.
• Write down what this passage teaches about God, Jesus and you.
• Think about how you need to change because of what you have read. You may need to do something, stop doing something or change the way you think.
• Write down how you need to change. Be specific.
• Pray about what you have read. Praise God for the things that the passage said about him. Pray about the things you need to change.

Below is an outline that may be helpful to use when reading part of the Bible.

Passage ______________                   Date _______

Main points of this passage:

 Words and ideas I don’t understand and need to check out:

What has this passage taught me about God, Jesus, and myself?

Things I need to change because of this passage:

Things to pray about